Commissioner Frank Cummings introduced the proposed charter change at a recent meeting, saying he wants to prevent another “embarrassing incident.” VerWys was absent.

Cummings said that as a senior commission member, he feels it is important to uphold the integrity of elected offices. At least one resident asked commissioners to consider a charter amendment in 2009 when VerWys took office.

“We represent a small community, and we lean on our own credibility,” Cummings said. “I don’t take it lightly or funny.”

VerWys pleaded guilty to two charges of felony embezzlement in 2000 and 2001: one for embezzlement of between $20,000 and $50,000 and the second charge from $1,000 to $20,000. He served three months in a boot camp for the first charge in Ottawa County and was on probation for four years for the second charge in a Kent County case.

The two convictions involved a property crime from a trucking company in the Holland area and from a Sears store in Grandville.

Those convictions were made public before the election, and VerWys said he’s moved on since then.

VerWys said Cummings’ proposal is “wholly un-American” because it discriminates against a group of people.

“This wasn’t hidden from anyone,” VerWys said of his past. “I absolutely believe if this (proposal) goes through, it would be discriminating against a whole group of people.”

Commissioners did not discuss the proposal but placed it on the agenda of their June 7 committee of the whole meeting. It would need to be approved at a regular commission meeting before it could be placed on a ballot.

Cummings said the proposed amendment could be put to voters as early as November.

If voters approve the charter change, VerWys would not be removed from the commission before his term expires in 2013. But it could prohibit him from seeking re-election.